Canada’s Energy Isn’t Just a Commodity. It’s Leverage.

Prime Minister Mark Carney says he doesn't see the value in using Canadian energy as a bargaining chip in the trade dispute with the United States. His reasoning is that Canada has built its reputation on being a reliable supplier, and that reputation is worth protecting.

I understand the argument.

Canada should absolutely be known as a country that honours its agreements. Our word matters. Markets depend on stability, and our allies need to know that Canadian commitments survive changes in government and political disagreements.

But there's a difference between being unreliable and recognizing the value of what you bring to the table.

Every negotiation has leverage. If one side voluntarily removes its strongest card before the conversation even begins, it isn't demonstrating principle. It's reducing its own negotiating power.

That doesn't mean we should shut off pipelines or threaten Americans every time a disagreement arises. Quite the opposite. Those kinds of actions would damage the trust we've spent decades building.

What it does mean is that Canada shouldn't publicly declare that one of its greatest strategic assets is permanently off-limits.

Energy is one of the few areas where Canada possesses genuine influence. The United States depends on Canadian oil, natural gas, electricity, uranium and critical minerals because geography, infrastructure and economics make us indispensable partners. That's not something to apologize for. It's the product of decades of investment and cooperation.

Good negotiations aren't about making threats. They're about ensuring both sides understand the value of the relationship.

If Canada enters talks saying, "Don't worry, this issue is off the table," we've already narrowed our own options before the negotiations have even begun.

There's another reason this conversation matters.

For years, Canada has struggled to decide whether we see our natural resources as strategic national assets or simply commodities to be exported. Other countries have no hesitation recognizing the geopolitical value of what they produce. Canada often seems uncomfortable doing the same.

Being a reliable supplier doesn't mean pretending leverage doesn't exist.

It means using that leverage responsibly.

There's a difference.

Canada's reputation is one of our strengths. So are our resources. We don't have to sacrifice one to acknowledge the other.

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